by admin | 25 Apr, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
I have been so inspired this week by a lady, who shall remain nameless, but whose actions defy logic, and, have shifted me to another level. The lady in question has been hit hard financially by the current panic-demic. Yes, I wrote panic-demic, not pandemic. She works for herself and the vast majority of her income has dissolved due to the panic. She is an amazing lady with a strong Christian faith and belief that everything will be okay. In fact, as a result of this faith, she did something so extra-ordinary, it blows my mind.
Keep in mind, this wonderful lady has two daughters and a business that requires her to be working to be earning. She explained she had lost about 90% of her income. I believe it is picking up now, but still she needs money to live, right? Out of nowhere, and she calls it ‘God money,’ an envelope full of cash somehow found its way onto her front doorstep. It was truly a miracle for her. Now, what would you expect she did with that money? Go out and buy some food? Pay the rent? Pay some bills? Buy some shoes? Well, she did none of those things. What she did, amazed and inspired me beyond belief. She gave the money to someone, whom she believed, needed it more than she did.
Wow! All I can say is wow! What an incredible display of generosity and faith. Her faith is so strong that she knows, even giving away money she really needs, she will be okay, and, will be provided for. As she was telling me this story, I could hear the joy in her voice and I could feel the strength, power and benefit her act had given her. There is a powerful gift in giving that you actually receive, even when you don’t think you have anything to give. That gift is self-worth, self-love, self-fulfilment, more joy, significance, better wellbeing and more abundance in life.
So inspired was I, that I started seeing where I could give. It came to me as I was talking to many organisations about doing some online seminars during COVID-19, to help their people get through. As I was speaking to HR people, I was continually confronted with the same issue; the business had lost significant revenue, had laid-off lots of people and had no budget for my services. Then it came to me, I started offering a one-off session to these organisations and waive the fee. The expressions of acceptance, relief and gratitude started to come back to me and, it feels amazing. So, now I have booked several sessions with these groups, and I know I can help them. It feels wonderful to give, not expecting anything in return. I feel happier, healthier and more inspired as a result of this giving. The gift is most definitely for me.
So now, I want to throw this back to you. If you are feeling flat, stressed, fearful or anxious, what can you give? When you feel like you have nothing of value to share, what can you give? If you are feeling great, and you are already giving, what else can you give? You may not have money to give. You may not have time to give. You may not believe you have anything of value to give, but you do. Could you give of yourself? Could you give a smile to someone who looks sad? Could you give a word of encouragement to someone who is feeling discouraged? Could you give some expertise to someone who doesn’t know what you do? Could you give a compliment to someone who is doing great things?
There is never a time when we don’t want to receive love, support, encouragement or praise. Therefore, there is always a time to give. I want to encourage you to give something to someone every day for the next week and then let me know how you feel, and the gift you received as a result. Take my word for it, giving to others will provide wonderful gifts for you.
by admin | 27 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
I pride myself on my ability to see the positive side of things, to learn the lessons and to be an eternal optimist. I actually wear it as a badge of honour. I like that I am able to handle adversity and challenges with dignity, positivity and a solution mindset, although can be really annoying for some people, who just like to be miserable. Well, this character trait of mine was severely tested this week, and I am surprised by what came out of it.
It is a challenging time for the whole world right now, and there is an uncertainty about how long it’s going to last. This uncertainty can lead, and has led, to fear, anxiety and an insecurity in people coming up to the surface. I have been able to hold strong to my optimistic mindset for the most part; thinking positive, looking for solutions, getting creative and having faith that everything is going to be okay. On Friday, however, things went a little pear-shaped.
After losing quite a few paid speaking gigs in schools, libraries and companies, I was still feeling optimistic. I had come up with, what I believed to be, a very creative and well thought through solution. I did some writing, developed a program, created a video and got on the phone to start talking to people about it. The response I got was positive, which fueled my optimism and motivation to keep going. To be honest, there was an underlying fear and insecurity, but I ignored it and kept on my merry way, until Friday. Cancellations, followed by rejections, followed by non-responses started chipping away at my positive and optimistic exterior. The straw that broke the camels back was the cancellation of an appointment I was relying on. which cracked through to expose my fear and insecurity.
For the rest of the day, I fell into pity-party and victim mode.
My bottom lip rolled out, hit the floor and I allowed my mind to wander and start
exploring worst case scenarios. For the next few hours, I lived in fear with
all of those underlying insecurities about myself, bubbling up to the surface.
Well, thankfully, a conversation with a great friend helped me to feel a little
better, and I went to the greatest place on earth, bed, to sleep myself through
into a new day!
I got up on Saturday morning, did my exercise and had my daily conversation with God. I was thanking him for the blessings in my life and I found myself thanking him for my fears and insecurities. Why, you may ask, was I thanking God for my fears and insecurities? That’s a great question, and this is what came up for me; without the fears and insecurities to face, embrace and negotiate, how can I ever become the person I want to become? I mean, if I had no fears and insecurities, life would be too easy, not challenging and therefore there would be no need to really stretch myself to see what’s possible.
I don’t know if that makes any
sense to you, but the reality is, every one of us has fears and insecurities.
All of the positive posts you see on social media, and all of the empowering webinar,
live-streaming and video events that are available, are offered by people who,
like me and you, also have fears and insecurities. They are just helping themselves
face, embrace and negotiate those fears and insecurities by helping other
people, as I do.
My message this week is that it’s okay to feel fear
and insecurity. Anyone who tells you there is no need to be fearful or
insecure, is either a robot, or a liar. I want to encourage you this week to
feel the fear, bring it to the surface and face it, don’t shove it down and try
to ignore it. Look at it, question it, assess it and then embrace it. It is our
fear and insecurities that keep us safe, which is a good thing, just don’t accept
them as defining who you are. Spend some time this week facing and embracing your
fears and insecurities, then, come up with some actions that will help you
become stronger, better and more equipped for a life of joyful longevity.
by admin | 20 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
My intention this week was to write a blog that had nothing
to do with the global crisis we are currently experiencing. Clearly, I changed my
mind, because, now more than ever, I feel like people need help to see the blessing,
find the good and turn this time in history into one that is not just about
surviving, but far more about thriving. With the right mindset, we can all use
this time to launch us into a new, exciting and successful period of our lives,
depending on what we choose. Many people, maybe even you, are choosing fear,
panic and reactivity, but I want to encourage a different choice. Why not
choose immunity!
I love the word ‘immunity.’ If you have ever watched Survivor, the greatest possession you can own in the game, is the immunity idol or necklace. Why? Because, it means you are protected, safe, secure and cannot be voted out. Every other player, without the idol, is vulnerable. This week, I want to show you where to find your immunity idol and how to win the immunity necklace, so that during this time in the game of life, you cannot be voted out or be vulnerable. The difference between what I will share with you right now, and the game of Survivor, is that in the TV game, once the immunity object is used, it’s gone. What you learn and apply from this blog will keep you protected, safe and secure forever. How does that sound?
The greatest fear people have at the moment is an infection of the Coronavirus. The reality is that the vast majority of people will never experience the sickness, however, everyone who lives in fear, panic and stress will experience a very different and far more dangerous infection which will impact their minds, bodies and lives. Of all God’s creations, your body is the most amazing miracle and is equipped with an immune system that will keep you protected, safe, secure, if you look after it. Are you ready to learn some simple steps to, turn on, power up and keep your immune system firing and protecting you, now and forever? If so, keep reading…
Mindset. If you understood that the thoughts and perspective you hold onto, create
an emotional response that will have the greatest impact on your immune system,
maybe you would look at things differently. The negative emotions; fear, panic,
anxiety, anger, resentment and bitterness, to name a few, will immediately shut
down your body’s immune system and leave you instantly vulnerable to all sorts
of issues. So, how do we control our emotional state? Simply by being aware of how
you are feeling, and, understanding that you control your emotions by the thoughts
you chose to focus on. Now more than ever is the time to find the positive angle
of what’s happening. Focus on the good, find the lessons and look for
solutions. The best thing you can do, right now, is TURN OFF THE NEWS and stop
reading newspapers! There are many more reliable and accurate places to stay
informed and protect your precious mind.
Laughter. Is the best medicine. Hang around people who are positive and funny. Laugh at things, no matter how bad they may seem. Watch funny movies, tell jokes and look for the humour in everything. You can always find laughter, if you look for it, and it will significantly boost your immunity.
Nutrition. Now is the time to fortify your body with high quality, nutrient rich and immune fortifying foods. Yes, eating takeaway, processed and packaged foods may be easier, but do you want easy, or do you want joyful longevity? Eat lots of fruits and vegetable, of all five colours, every day. Take a quality plant based food supplement to ensure you have enough fortifying nutrients. Be deliberate to make good natural protein, carbohydrate and fat food choices. You know what they are, you don’t need me to tell you.
Gut Health. Did you know that 75% of your immune system is in your gut? The trillions of bacteria that live in your gut with either strengthen your immune syetsem and keep you safe, or destroy it and leave you vulnerable. It all depends on your emotional state, and, food intake. Positive mindset, natural foods and probiotic will build, whereas stress, processed foods and medication will destroy. Make good choices.
The things I have shared very briefly in this blog, if taken seriously, are not just reactions to the current crisis, but are habits, that if developed, will keep you strong, happy and healthy for the rest of your life. My book The Wellness Puzzle, is the best book you could read right now, as it covers all these areas in lots of detail. Please for your sake, and that of the people you care about, choose immunity.
by admin | 13 Mar, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
As I write this blog, the world has gone crazy. People are
doing illogical and irrational things, all based on an energy and attitude of fear
that is gripping and rippling around the world. I am going to ruffle some feathers
this week, I know it, and I don’t care. I never watch the news, listen to radio
or read newspapers, but all I hear about is Corona virus. It is affecting
businesses, it’s impacting schools, it’s changing people behaviour and there is
no toilet paper left on the supermarket shelves! I have just one thing to say,
if it relates to you… stop buying into the fear-mongering and return some of
the toilet paper so that other people can wipe their backsides!
Last week I wrote a blog was called, Nothing is bad, it’s
all content. I feel the same way about this virus, I just wish more people
felt the same way. Just so you know, this is not a blog about the Corona Virus,
it’s about what we focus on, where we expend our valuable mental energy, and,
the impact that will have on many other lives. Have you ever seen such a vast
and rapid wave of fear and irrational behaviour envelop the world? In all my
years, I have not, and, I’ve seen a lot. People think the virus is affecting
and infecting the world, let me tell you loud and clear – whether you agree or
disagree, like me for it or not – the virus isn’t affecting and infecting the
world, negativity and fear is.
Honestly, is it rational that people are buying all the
toilet paper, knowing that many people who also need it will miss out? Is it logical
and really worth cancelling events and group gatherings when some simple preventative
wellbeing and hygiene steps can be taken? Is it really important news that a
celebrity has the virus, when millions of people every day suffer from colds and
flu and it never raises a glance? Come on people, get your focus on what’s really
important in your life. If you watch the news, read newspapers and listen to
the drama, you will stop living a life of joy, and buy into a life of fear. Is that
what you really want?
Even just this morning I had a texting conversation with an
amazing lady who is about to launch her new book. She was thinking of cancelling
her book launch because of the fear that had infiltrated her mind and body. I
sent her this message; ‘It’s fine, all just media hype and fear. Don’t
buy into it and put your life on hold. People get colds, flu and viruses every
day, but we don’t stop living because of it. Stop listening to it and your life
will be better.’ She got the message, started refocussing on
her book launch and she is feeling better.
Energy is a force that comes from our focus. It is a powerful force that is infectious, for the good and the very bad, as we are currently seeing evidence of. We are in control of the energy we emit to the world and the results that will impact our lives and the lives of others as a consequence. You are in total control of what you focus on, so get your shit together, give any excess toilet paper to someone who has run out and get back and focused on the right stuff.
This is coming out harsh, I know it. I really do understand it’s hard when everywhere you turn, and with everyone you talk to, the fear is apparent. However, can I encourage you to take control of the things you can control, and, block out the toxic rubbish. Focus on being healthy, eating well, taking your vitamins, washing your hands, staying hygienic and doing what you can do. Once you have done all that, stop watching and listening to other people’s rubbish. Then, focus on your best life, focus on the things you love, focus on being a positive influence in this world and watch your positive energy and attitude ripple out and have an amazingly powerful impact on the world
by admin | 29 Feb, 2020 | Andrew's Blog, Joyful Longevity
‘I’ll be happy when…!’ Have you ever said it, thought it or
acted in a way that demonstrated it? I know I have, many times. I’ll be happy
when I make the team. I’ll be happy when I make the money. I’ll be happy when
my book is published. I’ll be happy when I have found my soulmate. I’ll be
happy when I am looking the way I want. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s great to be
happy when you achieve anything significant, but why wait till you reach that
far off destination, when happiness every moment of everyday will direct you
there?
The problems with the, ‘I’ll be happy when,’ scenario is that, when you do actually achieve it, whilst maybe elated, you’re still not really happy. Why? Because; it took too long, you could have done better, there are other people who are achieving more, and you still need to achieve greater things, to be happy. Wrong! I can tell you from bitter experience, happiness will not come as a result of arriving at a destination, happiness is developed in each and every day as you love who you are, what you do and where you are heading,
I thought the most memorable, fulfilling and happy time in my
professional footballing journey would be when the hard work and pain was over,
and when I would finally make the team. In fact, it was that mindset which caused
me to miss an abundance of happiness available in the process of achieving it. Looking
back today, I can see clearly, the best part of my professional sporting career
was the 20 months of rejection, doubt, overcoming, pain and discomfort between
my first senior game of football and my second. At the time I was frustrated,
annoyed and victim-minded each week that, yet again, I was passed over for
selection. I didn’t realise it would be this challenging time that would prepare
me for the rigors of the sport and a successful life after football. A life that
is full of joyful challenges. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been
happy with every day, every challenge and every seeming set-back on the
journey.
In fact, today, with years and wisdom on my side, I now find
it easy to be happy every day. For three reasons. The first reason is because
I love and accept me, and believe I am good enough just as I am. As are you, by
the way! The second is because I choose to be happy. Yes, happiness is a choice,
and is not dependent only on great circumstances or goal achievement. The third
reason is because I know everything that happens, good or seemingly bad, is to
help me become a better person, learn something I need to learn and lead me to
the purpose I am on this planet for. In fact, I was having this very
conversation with the wonderful Fiona, who has just started the process of
writing her first book. We were laughing about all the challenges that we have
faced over the years and made the declaration that, there’s nothing bad that
happens, it’s all content! It’s just great content for a blog, a book and a
story that will entertain, inspire and help other people. That’s a great reason
to be happy.
The physical, mental and emotional wellbeing benefits of being
happy everyday are widely researched, studied and documented. If you have to
wait until you arrive at a destination you are missing the greatest joy and
fulfillment in life, which is waiting for you in every moment of every day. If
you choose happiness, every day and in every situation, you will get to the
destination you want without the stress, and, you’ll love the journey. Please know
that happiness is a direction, not a destination.
